Question:
I tested the size of my pouch and it was 16 oz!!!

This is Paula again. I did the cottage cheese test using stiff oatmeal (couldn't keep anything else down) and was able to eat all 16 ozs. This was done first thing this morning and I've been depressed all day. I THOUGHT I could eat way too much - what should I do now??    — Carol1967 (posted on March 20, 2002)

March 20, 2002
I am 18 months post op and know that my pouch at least 8 oz; I think even more at this point. I know that as of last summer I did not have any disruptions. I think that for most, the pouch "grows" to a realistic, "normal" size. I usually try to compare WLS to a baby. In the beginning you cant help but eat really small quantities. As time moves on, you notice that you can eat more and perhaps even more fatty and/or sugary foods. During that first "honeymoon" period (surgery-10 months), it is up to the postee to focus on new ways of eating so that when the tummy returns to a larger capacity, we eat the "right" foods. I "diet" everyday of my life. I focus on proteins, low fats and carbs. This is what I do, and I know that I will do it for the rest of my life. Is it a "diet"? I dont think so, I think of it more as a way of life. Have you been eating healthy foods? Have you fallen back into the same destructive habits that you had pre-op? If so, you need to refocus on the post-op "diet" that we all followed religiously in the beginning. Are you exercising? Did you work out in the beginnning? You need to examine your habits and what you can do to improve them. If then you still are gaining, I would consult another doctor such as a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy to make sure everything is in working order and to find out if a revision is necessary. Best of luck to you. ~Jeanne
   — Jeannet

March 20, 2002
I wouldn't get too upset just yet. Oatmeal plus saliva makes a pretty soupy mixture that might be leaving the pouch pretty quick. Also, especially with oatmeal, I would think time would play a role. Cottage cheese is also going to be a lot heavier and harder to digest - i can eat twice as much oatmeal as cottage cheese (EASY!!!). I think your pouch is smaller than you think, but maybe you should voice your concerns with your doctor. They can do some imaging and rule out other issues such as the bottom stoma being too large and things emptying too fast (someone in my support group has this issue and needs a revision to fix/tighten up that connection. Meredith
   — Meredith P.

March 21, 2002
I looked over your profile, and it looks like you're pretty far post-op, so your pouch should have stretched some ... but 16 oz.???? I am one year post-op and have trouble getting in 8 oz. of food, 10 oz. if I push it. I don't want to needlessly worry you, but I think 16 oz. is definitely a lot of food to be eating for someone with a gastric bypass. Have you called your doctor?
   — Terissa R.